In a recent television interview, Donald Trump reignited discussions around Cuba, claiming that the nation is "hanging by a thread" and suggesting that its government is nearing a breaking point.
During his exchange with host Hugh Hewitt on "The Hugh Hewitt Show," the former U.S. president responded to a question about whether it was time to ramp up pressure on Havana with a provocative statement.
Trump argued that "you can't put much more pressure" without escalating to extreme measures, implying the situation doesn't require more than "going in and blowing the place up." This dramatic assertion was made while he depicted Cuba as a country "in deep trouble" and on the brink of collapse.
He attributed the fragility of the Cuban system to the loss of external support, emphasizing that the regime's "lifeline" was tied to Venezuela. Trump explained that Cuba had been sustained over the years by the flow of oil and money from Caracas, suggesting this support has weakened significantly.
In a particularly striking moment, Hewitt questioned whether Miguel Díaz-Canel could "fall" as leaders in other crisis-ridden regions might, drawing a parallel with Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader.
Trump did not dismiss the possibility: "Yes... Cuba is really in a lot of trouble," he remarked, though he acknowledged that predictions of a Cuban collapse have circulated for decades without materializing. Despite this, he concluded with a sentiment familiar to many Cubans, highlighting the prolonged struggle: "They've been in trouble for 25 years... but I think they're pretty close."
Understanding the Cuban Crisis
Why does Trump believe Cuba is "hanging by a thread"?
Trump believes Cuba is "hanging by a thread" due to the country's deep economic troubles and the weakening of external support from Venezuela.
What role does Venezuela play in Cuba's current situation?
Venezuela has historically provided Cuba with essential support through oil and financial aid, but this assistance has reportedly diminished, adding to Cuba's difficulties.
Has there been a longstanding prediction of the Cuban regime's collapse?
Yes, predictions about the collapse of the Cuban regime have been made for decades, although such a collapse has yet to occur.